'Hints For Homebuilders' To Be Recorded At Oshkosh

Some believe the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual AirVenture celebration slips disturbingly further each year from its homebuilt roots, instead becoming a trade show for planemakers like Cessna and Cirrus. That's a perception EAA is fighting to combat... and this year, in particular, the organization will put a bright spotlight on homebuilt aircraft.

EAA tells Aero-News nearly 1,000 homebuilt aircraft will be attending this year's AirVenture July 28-August 3, giving builders the chance to show off their wares, and learn new building tips from their peers. To capitalize on the wealth of knowledge that comes together at the event, EAA will also be taping its popular 'Hints for Homebuilders' video segments during AirVenture 2008.

Homebuilders with hints and tips on aircraft building techniques will have an opportunity to volunteer and become a part of the popular videos of Hints for Homebuilders online video series. Homebuilders can send their tips, as well as the dates they will be at AirVenture and a contact phone number, to info@eaa.org. EAA will then contact the homebuilder and set a videotaping time during this year's fly-in.

Among other events highlighting aircraft construction during EAA AirVenture 2008:

• The achievement of 30,000 certified experimental amateur homebuilt aircraft in the United States will be recognized by EAA in the "30,000 & Climbing" celebration. The honorary 30,000th homebuilt will be selected and featured at AeroShell Square on July 30 and 31. The FAA Administrator will also be recognizing the 30,000th homebuilt July 31 on AeroShell Square.  Plus, any pilots flying their homebuilt aircraft to AirVenture will receive a 2008 commemorative "I Flew My Homebuilt" patch to honor their accomplishment.
• Workshops throughout the week for those considering building an aircraft or for homebuilders wanting to learn more to enhance their skills. These mini-workshops are patterned after the highly successful EAA SportAir Workshops held throughout the year across the country. Tasks required to build an aircraft, such as sheet metal construction, riveting, engine assembly, and more will be covered in AirVenture's Workshop Area, which is supported by Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, located adjacent to the event's Forums Pavilions.

• The Homebuilt Review will give homebuilders another opportunity to showcase their aircraft, but in the air. Between 15 and 20 homebuilt aircraft will fly in review during each of the sessions. Homebuilders can register to fly in the Homebuilt Review when completing their aircraft registration at Homebuilders Headquarters at AirVenture.
• Homebuilders can share camaraderie during the annual Homebuilders Dinner on Thursday, July 31, at 6 p.m. at the EAA Nature Center. EAA's Earl Lawrence will discuss the latest on EAA's fight to protect the 51 percent rule.
• The prestigious gold "Lindy" award will again be awarded to the Grand Champion Kit Built and Plans Built aircraft during AirVenture, with other aircraft awards also announced at the end of the event. The "Lindy" is the most coveted prize in homebuilt aircraft, and the only way to win one of these awards is to build a flying masterpiece and fly it to Oshkosh.

FMI: www.airventure.org, www.eaa.org